Dundee Accommodation / The Royal Country Inn Dundee Accommodation / Country Inn Hotel in Dundee

The benefits of modern accommodation with an old-world charm. In the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, The Royal Cpuntry Inn is the ideal stopover for weary travellers, a home-from-home with every comfort and amenity, and a convenient base from which to explore the rich history of the area.

Originally known as the Royal Hotel, this inn was established in 1886, just four years after the town of Dundee was founded by a Scottish coal miner seeking his fortune and destiny. Together, Dundee and the Royal Hotel built on their foundations, growing together, and today, the Royal Country Inn stands proudly restored to its former glory. Proprietors, Daniel and Motz Bezuidenhout, have been careful throughout its ongoing restoration not to lose the original charm and historical ambience.

THE HOTEL

The Royal Country Inn has a total of 29 bedrooms - 24 hotel rooms and 5 backpacker rooms - and also boasts one of the finest old-fashioned dining room restaurants, treating guests to an ever-changing menu of hearty meals and other edible delights. Enjoy tea and scones in one of our courtyards, or if you prefer something a little stronger, join us for a drink at the resident pub – the Garrulous Griffin – dedicated to the 24th Welsh Regiment who fought so valiantly at the battle of Rorke’s Drift.

Hotel Accommodation

The hotel bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms with showers, satellite TV and are fully serviced daily by our housekeeping staff. Our downstairs bedrooms (all with wooden floors and beautifully preserved pressed iron ceilings) open onto a peaceful garden courtyard. From the hotel reception and lounge with magnificent parquet flooring, a sweeping staircase leads guests up to more rooms, some of which have been dedicated to the recipients of the Victoria Cross at the battle of Rorke’s Drift.

Backpackers Rooms

The backpacker rooms are sold at a cheaper rate - two very clean, communal bathrooms service the 5 backpacker bedrooms. The backpackers rooms offer comfortable, affordable accommodation for those travelling on a tighter budget.

Tours

The Royal is the ideal place from which to explore the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer War battlefields, and is also in close proximity to the Drakensberg and the Itala Game Reserve. Special packages are on offer for group tours.

Battlefields Tour guides are also available and can be arranged by the hotel.

Conference Facilities

A conference venue is on offer (accommodates a maximum of 50-60 delegates), equipped with all standard conference equipment, and two breakaway facilities (average capacity of 20 pax). All conference facilities are air-conditioned.

Dundee Attractions

Dundee attractions include a fine golf course, water sports, the Moth Shell hole and an excellent Museum at Talana. Zulu cultural experiences are also on offer in the area.

Attractions in the Surrounding Area

The following are but a few in the endless list of things to do and see: The Battle of Blood River Heritage Site and the Ncome Museum; Isandlwana Battlefield; Rorke’s Drift Museum and the site of the death of the Prince Imperial of France. You can also view San Bushmen paintings, Iron Age smelting sites, and enjoy a range of eco-tourism experiences such as numerous hiking trails and horse trails, bird watching, photographic safaris, mountain biking, abseiling and white water rafting.

There are also many game reserves in the area such as the Weenen Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, the Chelmsford Nature Reserve and Wagendrift Nature Reserve, among others. At Hattingspruit is the Tom Worthington Dam where you will find the Farmer’s Brewery that brews traditional home-brewed German and Austrian beers.

AWARDS

AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards - Finalist in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

ACCREDITATIONS (as claimed by the establishment)